Blog – Wild Lotus Mediahttps://wildlotusmedia.com
The Work of Melissa McDermottTue, 04 Sep 2018 15:53:42 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8https://wildlotusmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-icon-512x512-32x32.jpgBlog – Wild Lotus Mediahttps://wildlotusmedia.com
3232Why I Left JustHost Web Hostinghttps://wildlotusmedia.com/why-i-left-justhost-web-hosting/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/why-i-left-justhost-web-hosting/#respondWed, 11 Jul 2018 18:40:51 +0000https://wildlotusmedia.com/?p=6350When I was in college in 2013, as a web design major, I decided it would be a great idea to start a portfolio website. I designed it and built it, but then needed to pick a host. I read tons of reviews, articles and compared different hosting providers myself. …

]]>When I was in college in 2013, as a web design major, I decided it would be a great idea to start a portfolio website. I designed it and built it, but then needed to pick a host. I read tons of reviews, articles and compared different hosting providers myself. I eventually went with JustHost. I ended up leaving them for a few reasons that I’ll explain as I summarize my experience with them over the years.

When I was first starting out as a designer, my needs for hosting were small – reliable, easy-to-use and very affordable. Pricing was my first priority (college-student style), so I purchased a term for 3 years on Black Friday. I got an amazing deal, which came to around $3 a month. I uploaded my files for my very first website and my problem was solved. It wasn’t until sometime later that I would run into some issues.

Speed: My website ran pretty smoothly, but it was also very minimal. I had a small WordPress install attached to a standalone PHP site. I ended up making another JustHost account, which was for my boyfriend’s art website. It is another WordPress install, featuring an online store with tons of images and products. It worked well and looked great. However, as time went on and more content was added, the site speed started to lag. I thought it wouldn’t be a problem since they make certain plugins for that. So, I added a caching plugin. I added an image optimizer. The speed was looking better for the most part, but nothing I did restored it back to the way it was when I first signed up. Also, compared to my own website, this one was very slow. I swept it under the rug and hoped my visitors had an okay experience as long as they were willing to be a little patient.

Price: As I mentioned earlier, I thought I was getting the deal of a lifetime when I signed up. But, like all good things, my initial hosting purchase came to an end. I wanted to renew since I just wasn’t ready to switch, yet. So, I selected a year and was shocked at the price tag. They hooked me in at a great deal for around $3 a month, but wanted to renew at $9.99 a month (if you sign up for a year). If you paid monthly, it was even more! That was quite a jump from when I first started. I even tried using coupons and none of them worked. It turns out they were only good for new accounts. My loyalty for them died right then and there once I realized that I will no longer receive pricing similar to when I first signed up.

Security: As the years went by, website security has become more and more important than when I first started web design. People want websites they can trust in the era of endless hackers and data breaches, so every website has to have an SSL security certificate unless they want a scary message popping up like this:

I noticed my website was not secure, so I looked into an SSL certificate from JustHost. I heard about free solutions like Let’s Encrypt and thought they might have something similar in place. At the very least, I thought it would be very inexpensive and easy to set up on all hosting providers since it is pretty much required on all websites now. Well, it turns out JustHost wanted a monthly fee, on top of upgrading my hosting package indefinitely. That would defeat the whole purpose of selecting them, which was to remain as low-cost as possible. That was my deal-breaker. I also needed a certificate for the online store I was running. I did not want to scare customers away and needed to look professional.

So, I left. I did some more research based on different needs now that my business has grown. I played around with another provider, fell in love, and switched both of my websites over. I might have out-grown then, but I do believe there are much better hosting providers out there than JustHost. If you are just starting out and don’t mind paying extra for everything, go for it. However, they are just not for me anymore.

If you have any questions about them or my experience, please leave a comment below. I also offer web hosting myself now, which starts at $17 a month, with many discount options for the length of your term. So instead of your pricing going up over time, it will actually go down. If you are interested, email me at WildLotus@mail.com to discuss the details.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/why-i-left-justhost-web-hosting/feed/0Why You Should Start a Personal or Business Bloghttps://wildlotusmedia.com/start-personal-business-blog/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/start-personal-business-blog/#respondSun, 01 Jul 2018 15:21:35 +0000https://wildlotusmedia.com/?p=5138Blog. Blogging. Blog post. It seems like every day more and more people are creating blogs. They are slowly taking over the internet and are the future of how we communicate. If you have yet to create your own blog or do not think you may need one, here is …

]]>Blog. Blogging. Blog post. It seems like every day more and more people are creating blogs. They are slowly taking over the internet and are the future of how we communicate. If you have yet to create your own blog or do not think you may need one, here is why you should think twice and start creating your blog today:

Get Your Voice Out There

The number of blogs out there may be forever increasing, so you’re thinking you don’t need to make one. You’re thinking that no one will read it or that it’s been done before. Well, there are over 7 billion people on this planet. Every single human being has a different perspective. What’s yours? What’s your passion? What’s your expertise? A blog is no longer a dull personal journey or pointless collection of your own daily stories. Nowadays, blogs are mini-articles with tons of useful information or words that carry an impact. Anyone can have the ability to express themselves and get their voice heard (…or read). Chances are that there is someone looking for exactly the information you want to write about or you may have to share with the world, which is why you need to do it. We are in the new age of knowledge. Not many people will flock to the bookstore or library to learn. We all pull out our phones or tablets at our convenience and search to get our questions answered or even read to pass the time. Everyone has something to say. So, are you just talking into the echo chamber or writing down your thoughts to really make an impact?

You’ll Inspire Others

You may not think you will get anyone reading your posts, but that is not true. Google will index your blog after each post, and from then on, it can show up for anyone searching about that topic. Once someone sees it and shares it, it can easily get spread across a network of people. Eventually, you can gain a following of regular readers. They might share it and talk about it with their friends or even write about it themselves. Blogs encourage people to speak out on important issues and have an impact on the internet, which eventually influences our culture. It’s not only writing down for your own sake, but it could help and motivate others. The potential is endless.

Promotional Opportunities

If blogs have the potential for action, then the potential to make money is definitely a reality. You can use your blogs to promote yourself or promote something for people to buy. You can pick a topic that would interest the audience of potential buyers, write about it, then plug your product or service somewhere in your blog post. You shouldn’t try too hard to sell, but if you make it not-so-obvious, people will keep reading. You can also get money from ads, network with other bloggers to write a guest post, write sponsored posts or even hold giveaways. There are tons of money-making or promotional opportunities for a blog.

Practice Your Writing Skills

Remember in kindergarten (or pre-k), when you first learned how to write? After you learned each letter, you would then write sentence after sentence, then story after story. You don’t stop writing until after you get out of school. If you were to look back at your first stories, you would see how far you’ve come. Well, that’s exactly what a blog can keep track of. The more you write posts, the better you will get at it. There are all types of spell checkers and grammar formatters to help you along the way. You can even ask a few friends to proofread your posts before you publish them. The more time you put into it, the better you will become, but you have to start, first.

It’s Easier Than Ever

It seems like everyone has a blog because they are so easy to start and maintain. There are tons of websites, from Tumblr to WordPress, that will help you post entries and get up and running. Some cost money and some are absolutely free. It is not that hard to get them to look professional, either. It’s about as easy to set up as any social media network is. Just pick a username, adjust some settings, then you are good to go! You can easily start filling a blog up with content by the end of the day. So, why not start today?

Need help with starting a blog or not sure where to begin? We make custom WordPress blogs and websites that are super affordable. Leave a comment below or e-mail us at WildLotus@mail.com with any questions or concerns you may have. We’d love to help!

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/start-personal-business-blog/feed/0New Site Launch // Perfection is the Enemy of the Artisthttps://wildlotusmedia.com/new-site-launch-perfection-enemy-artist/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/new-site-launch-perfection-enemy-artist/#respondFri, 16 Feb 2018 03:05:02 +0000https://wildlotusmedia.com/?p=3085My new website is FINALLY LIVE after a few years of messing around with a new e-commerce store for my own artwork and services. I never set a launch date, never really focused on the details, and became obsessed with it being “perfect”. I was working towards a forever moving target, …

]]>My new website is FINALLY LIVE after a few years of messing around with a new e-commerce store for my own artwork and services. I never set a launch date, never really focused on the details, and became obsessed with it being “perfect”. I was working towards a forever moving target, which was tiring to keep up with. So, I sucked it up and set a “soft” launch date for a month ahead. I promised myself that even if it wasn’t totally ready, I was launching it. No more procrastination, no more delays, and no more excuses.

Well, that day is finally here and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do. A lot of thought and love went into it. But already, I want to change a few things, like adding tiny features and more content.

I’ve learned a lot while working on it. The main thing being that it is so easy to work on other’s art and quite challenging to work on your own. Often, designers are too involved with our own projects. We are a culture that’s obsessed with total perfection and expect nothing less from ourselves. So, I found myself questioning my every move and was thinking if it was good enough. I have a typical artist mindset, which is to be obsessed with details instead of the main picture. I thought I was ready to go live, then all of a sudden, I noticed every flaw and wanted to fix every single one of them.

How could I release something that wasn’t perfect? Well, that was the thing. I would never reach my idea of perfection, so I made a choice. I had to get it out there, because it was doing me no good just keeping it to myself. I finally wanted others to see it, no matter if there were some small things still un-done. So, I decided on a soft launch date then just pushed it live on February 7th.

It takes forever to make your own website or personal project because you only see the flaws and want to keep working on them. Just accept how it is and push it out into the world where it belongs.

For me, 2017 was a year of taking a step back and really gaining perspective at my own life. I learned how to really hold up a mirror to myself, which led me to see everything a little bit clearer. As the year came to a close, I was able to really see myself for how I was, instead of how I projected myself to be. I realized I am not being as productive as I could be and something snapped. I had to get my website up and push my business further.

Life isn’t about being perfect, it’s about starting somewhere then evolving into something bigger and better. This website is my personal masterpiece to represent all that I create. It is the on-going sculpture of my life, forever to be molded and perfected as I learn and grow.

What do you think of it? Leave a comment below and let me know your honest thoughts.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/new-site-launch-perfection-enemy-artist/feed/04 Easy Steps to Make Money as an Artisthttps://wildlotusmedia.com/4-easy-steps-to-make-money-as-an-artist/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/4-easy-steps-to-make-money-as-an-artist/#respondSat, 09 Jan 2016 22:21:13 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=280As an artist, I often talk to other creative minds and discover that most of them struggle. They don’t struggle with the fact that they can make amazing, beautiful things, but they cannot grasp the concept that they can live of off their creations. Many people think it is impossible to …

]]>As an artist, I often talk to other creative minds and discover that most of them struggle. They don’t struggle with the fact that they can make amazing, beautiful things, but they cannot grasp the concept that they can live of off their creations. Many people think it is impossible to make a career or even make money as an artist, which is where the term “starving artist” comes from. Artists should only starve because they are hungry with passion and unrelenting drive, not because they cannot make money.

After going to college, I decided most creatives never get the business training they need in order to have a career. Most artists struggle with it, but it’s not hard at all. If you break everything down, it’s as easy as the following four steps.

1 – Make Art (or anything pretty/creative)

This is a no-brainer. Most artists can do this in their sleep, but the catch is making things that people actually want. Don’t make things to copy off of others or steal ideas. No one will buy what they can already find somewhere else. Be unique with your talent. Also, make LOTS of it. More inventory = More $$$. The more you have for a specific (or even more than one) niche, the easier it will fly off the shelves. Think of ways to change colors or other little things that can take the artwork that you’ve already done and make it brand spankin’ new again.

2 – Add a Price Tag

Another step that may seem simple, but artists overlook. People want to buy things with a price. You can display your art all day all over the place, but no one will want it because there’s not actual price listed. Adding a price when you post or show off your artwork simply says “Here is what I think it is worth, which includes the time, materials, and effort I’ve put into this piece”. You can mark it up as much as you want depending on what it may be, but feel free to haggle with your customer. If they really want it and are sticking to a budget, be nice, mark a few bucks off and give it to them, which leads into the next step.

3 – Put It Out There

Again and again and again. Show off your work on social media, in-person, at local shops, at galleries, in magazine articles, give it away to your friends and tell them to tell a friend, and don’t stop there. Your art means nothing if no one is actually looking at it. People need to know your shit exists before they will even consider it interesting or pretty enough to look at, let alone buy. The beauty of this step is that it’s so easy to due thanks to the viral age that we live in. If you create art, give it a theme that’s trending, smack it all over the internet, and (hopefully) watch it take off.

4 – Find Your Niche/Audience and Shove It In Their Face

Ever heard the phrase, “Someone will buy anything”? Well, it’s absolutely true and you can apply it to your art, but you just have to find out who that someone is first. Think about the stuff you make and really think hard about the type of person who would want it. Take it a little further and develop a personality for this person. That’s the only way to find your specific audience. Of course, over time, your audience may end up finding you, but unless you have a reputation, that will never happen. So you need to really think about who would want your art and shove it in their face over and over again (see step 3). Find out what your audience does, where they live, where they shop, what websites they browse and make sure they are seeing it all over the place. Simply stalk the shit out of your potential customers and make sure your art is in the right place at the right time for them to see it.

As an artist myself, I often struggle with this, but selling your art takes patience, time and dedication. You might not be an overnight success, but with enough hard work, I hope you get to make a living off of your creative skills and doing something you love. That’s what life is all about.

Have any specific questions? Need graphic or website design work done? Need help with your branding? E-mail me at WildLotus@mail.com or visit my website www.WildLotusMedia.com to discuss that and much more.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/4-easy-steps-to-make-money-as-an-artist/feed/0How to Pick The Perfect Social Media Network for Your Businesshttps://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-pick-the-perfect-social-media-network-for-your-business/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-pick-the-perfect-social-media-network-for-your-business/#respondSun, 04 Oct 2015 16:00:50 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=111Social media is everywhere nowadays, which is a reason why more business owners are turning to it to promote their brand and find more customers. But, how do you use social media to your full advantage to reach your target audience? In order to benefit your business, it’s crucial to use …

]]>Social media is everywhere nowadays, which is a reason why more business owners are turning to it to promote their brand and find more customers. But, how do you use social media to your full advantage to reach your target audience? In order to benefit your business, it’s crucial to use the right social media network for your business. There are many sites out there, so how do you know which one to use? Here are some basic tips of finding the right social media network to use for your business so you can get the most out of it.

1. Who is your audience and where are they at?

Knowing your audience is crucial to running a business. You need to know where your customers are at and what social media sites and resources they use. Do a simple Q&A with a few customers to learn what sites they use most or how they learn about news in your specific niche. For example, I run a graphic design business so I would ask a few clients of mine about how they find potential designers to hire. This lets me think like them and know what sites to use to find them. You may have to check up with this occasionally, as many social media websites are trends. For example if you used Myspace to promote your music-related business, you might have to look elsewhere in modern times.

2. What type of content do you have?

Social media is all about content. You’ve most likely heard that “content is king” but it only rules when it is channeled correctly through the right outlet. First, you have to figure out what content you can come up with for the rest of your business lifespan. Most businesses can use images to show what they have to offer. If you have a visually-based business, I’d suggest an image-heavy network, like Instagram instead of a text-based social media network, such as Twitter. So think about what you’re going to post and use the right social media network for it. If you can use a variety of content, like most businesses do, you might want to narrow it down to the most popular social media networks, or whatever your audience is using most. Also, keep in mind the tone of your content so it matches the website. You don’t want to post a bunch of party photos on LinkedIn, or it will rub users the wrong way and be ineffective.

3. How will I get my audience to interact with my content?

After you get an idea of what content to post, it’s important to know how your audience will react to it. You want to get more likes, comments, and reposts with every post you make. The more you get your posts interacted with, the more you are likely to lure someone in for a sale. If you don’t happen to make a sale, people who interact with your content will at least see your name and get familiar with your brand. You always need to be thinking of new things to post that people will really like or have something to comment with. It’s pointless to put your message out there if it’s not going to get any feedback or it’s only going to go unnoticed by your followers.

4. Are my competitors on this site?

This is important to know for a few reasons. If the social media network you decide to use is flooded with your competitors, you will need to outdo them, so it’s important to bring something slightly different to the table in order to stand out. No one wants to see a million businesses of the same type fighting for attention. If it’s crowded with your rivals, it’s also a good sign because they most likely have found that your audience is using that social media network. They are already on it for a reason, which is most likely because it is working for them. You can always switch it up and use a social media website that not many of your competitors are at and be the first one to do so, but it all depends on what your audience will think and if you can be the first one to fulfill their unique needs. So always keep in mind about your audience AND your competitors.

These are just the basics for finding the perfect social media network for your business. After you do some thinking, it’s important to dive right in, and start posting on whatever social media site you use. Look at others to find inspiration for content and you should have no issue using social media for your business. If you have any specific questions, leave a comment here or message my Facebook page and I’ll be happy to help you out.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-pick-the-perfect-social-media-network-for-your-business/feed/0How to Hire the Perfect Graphic Designerhttps://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-hire-the-perfect-graphic-designer/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-hire-the-perfect-graphic-designer/#respondSat, 11 Apr 2015 18:56:47 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=260If you run a successful business, you may reach a point where you can’t make your own designs for your business. From a logo to business cards and even signage, there is a lot of design work to be done all for one business. When that time comes to outsource, …

]]>If you run a successful business, you may reach a point where you can’t make your own designs for your business. From a logo to business cards and even signage, there is a lot of design work to be done all for one business. When that time comes to outsource, how do you find the perfect designer for your needs? Here are a few tips.

1) Inspect Their Portfolio

A designer’s portfolio represents them and speaks better than they can about what they do. When picking a designer, you want to look for a big portfolio. If they only have done a few things, they might be starting out or can’t get clients, which is a red flag. After you see that they have a good number of design experiences in the past, look for the quality. The designs should look complete, not rushed, and should each stand out on their own. Lastly, you can critique their style, depending on what you are looking for. For example, if you want something eye-catching, find a designer that goes the distance in terms of big, bold designs. There are plenty of designers out there, so you will definitely find one to fit your needs perfectly.

2) Check Out Their Website

All professional graphic designers have a website. Check it out and inspect the quality of the designs on the site itself. If it is a little on the plain side, they might want you to be focusing on their work. You’ll get a feel for their personal branding, which might transfer over to how they do each project. You may also be able to learn more about them through their website, which is always useful. If they have a detailed website, which lists prices and their unique design process, you may be able to trust them a little more than someone with a very vague website.

3) Analyze Their Past Clients

Who have they worked for in the past? Big brand names indicate high quality design work, but may also mean that they will charge big bucks. If they have small local businesses that they have worked for, they might only want to work with other local businesses as well. Do they have a variety of clients? If not, does your business fit in with the businesses they have worked for in the past? These are all things to keep in mind when you are looking at their past clientele.

4) Ask Them Questions

After you have a good feel for who they are and think they can handle your unique design project, ask them questions. Get to know how the designer works and their skill set. It’s also good to know their prices, timeframe, and what you’ll be getting in the end. If you are happy with their answers and have a good feeling about them, don’t hesitate any longer to hire them! They might just be able to help you out on more than one thing in the future.

Have any other questions about hiring a designer? If you have hired one in the past, how did that experience go? Don’t forget that I am always available for graphic design work, feel free to contact me for more information.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-hire-the-perfect-graphic-designer/feed/05 Branding Mistakes Small Business Owners Makehttps://wildlotusmedia.com/5-branding-mistakes-small-business-owners-make/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-branding-mistakes-small-business-owners-make/#respondThu, 20 Nov 2014 00:25:43 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=250If you own a business, it’s up to you to manage everything to make sure your business is successful. You might know that the devil is in the details when it comes to how your business looks. I’ve seen many things go wrong when it comes to branding a business. …

]]>If you own a business, it’s up to you to manage everything to make sure your business is successful. You might know that the devil is in the details when it comes to how your business looks. I’ve seen many things go wrong when it comes to branding a business. Here are some common branding mistakes that many entrepreneurs tend to make.

1) DIY Creations

There comes a time when you are running your own business when the budget will become low. One way that business owners cut around the corner is with their branding. They will try to avoid hiring a designer and quickly make a logo in powerpoint or sketch out an advertisement with a design app. This is a big no-no. Your audience knows what looks professional and what does not. Unless you are both a designer AND a business owner, invest some cash into a designer so that your design assets do not come off cheap, quick, or handmade (…or even worse, all three).

2) Lack of Consistency

If you take design and branding seriously, you’ll look professional and then you’re customers will know you want to get straight down to business. One way to come off as a joke is to be inconsistent with your business image. For example, if you change your colors too often, you customers will not be able to know which specific colors represent you. We can relate red and yellow easily to McDonald’s because they have not changed their branding basics (such as the colors and the golden arches). If you are consistent with your logos, colors, symbols, and overall image, customers are more likely to remember you and associate you with those things.

3) Underpay their Designer

If you’ve heard of Fiverr, then you’ve heard of cheap design work. Underpaying your designer is generally a good way to skimp on the quality of your branding. If you want to pay less for common design work, don’t expect the best quality, service, or speed. Any graphic designer that will offer you a too-good-to-be-true price for a service is not going to live up to the expectations that you have in mind. It’s easier to go straight to a designer whose work you really enjoy and simply pay them the full asking price. If you pay 100%, you’ll get 100% from your design artist.

4) Misrepresentation

Branding is a great way to sum up the purpose of your business. Your business goals and what your business stands for should be fully represented in your logo, letterhead, etc.. If you mismatch your ideals with how your business comes off to the public, you’re off to a bad start. If you happen to have made this mistake, it is never too late for a re-design in order for your brand to properly represent your business goals.

5) No Branding at All

Do I even need to elaborate on this one? You might happen to start your business off with a nice, clean slate, but don’t let it stay that way when it comes to how it is represented in the terms of branding. All businesses deserve to have professional branding. Start small and think of the basics and purpose of your business. How your business looks is just as important as what it does. Both should go hand in hand, that way your audience knows your purpose.

Have you ever made one of these common branding mistakes? If you’re a business owner, please take your branding seriously and hire a designer, such as myself, to help answer your basic questions when it comes to the image of your business. Your business will only be taken as seriously as how it looks to the public. So go ahead and invest in your business image and it will end up looking and doing great.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-branding-mistakes-small-business-owners-make/feed/0Post Summer Updatehttps://wildlotusmedia.com/post-summer-update/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/post-summer-update/#respondSat, 11 Oct 2014 23:01:34 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=241It’s been a long time since I’ve written a new post. Every time I come up with new ideas for a great blog, I find myself procrastinating like crazy then I become busy with other things in my life. Between working my first full-time job at Scientific Marketing Services, moving …

]]>It’s been a long time since I’ve written a new post. Every time I come up with new ideas for a great blog, I find myself procrastinating like crazy then I become busy with other things in my life. Between working my first full-time job at Scientific Marketing Services, moving in with my boyfriend who runs his own art business, and trying to maintain my own business, I’ve found myself running out of time to enjoy my personal life, which includes writing blog posts. I’m done with the excuses and would like to update the world with what I am working on.

So far, I’ve been working on my own graphic and web design business, and trying to get more clients. So far, so good with that. I’ve found myself diving into social media quite often and I’m trying to help small business owners learn how to properly use it as a powerful tool for their business. This summer, I’ve also re-explored my love for taking photos. So, I decided to buy a new Epson printer and make prints of the great photos I’ve taken. It’s been quite a journey trying to work a full time job and balance all of my creative projects. But in the mean time, keep an eye out for huge announcements regarding e-commerce stores.

If you’d like to have a chance in winning a custom print from me, please enter my latest Facebook contest, which you can find at my facebook page. If anyone would like to ask me questions or buy some of my photography, shoot me an e-mail at WildLotus@mail.com. I’ll gladly mail you a photo print if you donate a buck or two towards my creative projects.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/post-summer-update/feed/0How to Gain Loyal Customers Foreverhttps://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-gain-loyal-customers-forever/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-gain-loyal-customers-forever/#commentsWed, 23 Jul 2014 23:47:06 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=212A good business is all about your customers. A lasting business has it’s foundation built on loyal customers. The difference is how often your customers will come back to you. Loyal customers are also great because they will help refer people to your business and get you more customers in …

]]>A good business is all about your customers. A lasting business has it’s foundation built on loyal customers. The difference is how often your customers will come back to you. Loyal customers are also great because they will help refer people to your business and get you more customers in the long run. A loyal customer is very valuable since they can help you promote your business almost as much as you do, (assuming you are the business owner) but for free. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to gain loyal customers over the lifespan of your business.

Give something away

Everyone loves free stuff. If you give something of value away to someone, nine out of ten times, the receiver will appreciate it. This not only puts you on their good side, but it opens the door for further communication by starting the conversation. To put it simply, if you give your customers something for free, they will like it, remember it and remember your business in the future. It’s like the sample you get at a food store. If you like it, you’ll want more of it and are also more likely to buy whatever you just tasted for free. So, why not do that with your product?

Provide excellent service or products

Another way to stand out and make a good impression to your customers is to go above and beyond when it comes to your business and your customer service. People really notice when they are treated nicely, and it makes them feel more important. If you value your customer, you’ll invest in treating them well, whether it comes to providing an amazing quality product (or service) or exceeding their expectations when they need help. People are more likely to return due to the great service, and they won’t mind paying a little extra for it either, so it’s a win-win for your business.

Reward loyalty

How many membership cards are in your wallet right now? They are the most common form of rewarding customers when it comes to shopping again at a store. The more you shop there, the more you’ll save, and the greater the reward is for you. Common human behavior shows that rewards pay off and can encourage certain actions. So if you want that person to buy from you again, simply reward them for coming back. It could be in the form of a discount coupon, VIP membership, a special bonus prize, or anything else you can think of that your customers will enjoy.

Make it personal

Companies often get caught up in the corporate, day-to-day life and keep things short and sweet. It helps to act like a small business and make every purchase or communication personal. Don’t be afraid to use a customers name. You can give out coupons or products on the customer’s birthday. Ask about how their family is doing (assuming you’ve talked about them before. If not, this might be a tad on the creepy side). Remember what he or she likes. If you’ve ever ordered something online and received a nice handwritten note saying “Dear _____, Thank you,” you’ll know that keeping your business personal adds a certain special touch to the purchase.

Follow up

Loyalty doesn’t just rely on the customer. Go out of your way to check in with your customer. Ask them how they like your product, if they need anything else, or just be nice and make small talk. Don’t ever be afraid to start the conversation with your customer. Follow up with them with any of the methods above, or just to say hi. Either way, people appreciate being approached with friendliness. If you do this, your customers are sure to associate you with being a nice, personable business owner.

To summarize all of the above, if you want loyal customers, just treat them how you would like to be treated and then some. Go above and beyond what other businesses do, and you are sure to stick out in your customers head. This way, they will remember you and are more likely to return to do business. Have any other tips on encouraging loyalty? Do you offer any of your customers rewards for coming back? Post a comment and let me know! I usually offer the returning customers of my business a discount.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-gain-loyal-customers-forever/feed/3Business Cards: Vistaprint vs. Morning Printhttps://wildlotusmedia.com/comparison-vistaprint-vs-morning-print/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/comparison-vistaprint-vs-morning-print/#commentsSun, 15 Jun 2014 18:25:36 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=181When it comes to business cards, there are plenty of options when it comes to getting them printed. There's a huge selection online of companies that will print them, with tons of options to enhance your cards. Here is my review of Vistaprint and Morning Print.

]]>When it comes to business cards, there are plenty of options when it comes to getting them printed. There’s a huge selection online of companies that will print them for you, with tons of options to enhance your cards. I am a huge fan of VistaPrint. You can even get an advantage account and save 40% all year round. After ordering my first business cards from VistaPrint, I switched it up and decided to see how Morning Print would do them. Here is my review of each company.

Overall:

Vistaprint – The check-out process was very easy and straight-forward. I uploaded a custom design and it was easy to see how it would look on a card. They allow standard options when it comes to card type, such as different paper thickness and various finishes. Shipping time was about a week, which is pretty standard. When I ordered my cards, I selected the Premium Matte, which makes your cards non-glossy, thicker (15 pt/130 lb stock) and more durable.

Morning Print- Their check-put process was nice. They explained their paper types and options pretty thoroughly. They have many more card options than Vistaprint, such as die-cut or plastic PVC cards. I ordered a custom design on Premium Paper business cards, selecting the Silky Matte option, which makes your card smooth and thicker than their standard card (at 9pt thickness). Shipping and processing time was very fast, at only 3-4 days.

Results:

Vistaprint – The custom design I ordered came out perfect. The cards were very, very thick. When I went to tack my cards on some pinboards, I’ve broken the thumbtack, because even a few cards were so thick. The colors came out quite nice, not so bright but they definitely stood out amongst other cards, due to the paper quality.

Morning Print – My custom design I uploaded came out very nice. The cards were pretty standard, but did not come out as thick as VistaPrint’s cards. The colors and graphics were great and looked excellent. Overall, they look very nice.

Price:

When it comes to price, Vistaprint has this one in the bag. Their total for 250 cards was $16.49 (which includes a paper stock upgrade) and free shipping. Vistaprint always has coupons and sales available to get your cards very affordable. They even run commercials claiming you can get free cards.

Morning print’s prices were okay. The only reason I used the site was because I had a 20% off coupon. With the coupon, their total was $27.84, and the shipping costs about $12. The shipping is a high price and all of the cards costs more than Vistaprint.

Conclusion:

Both sites have business cards, but Morning Print has more of a variety of different types. You can really impress your customers or clients if you order die-cut or plastic business cards. Even though Vistaprint doesn’t have as much of a selection when it comes to custom business cards, they are better when it comes to price and value. I plan to order my next cards using Vistaprint, due to the benefits of using their company.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/comparison-vistaprint-vs-morning-print/feed/14 Ways to Increase your Reach & Engagementhttps://wildlotusmedia.com/4-ways-to-increase-your-reach-engagement/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/4-ways-to-increase-your-reach-engagement/#respondSun, 11 May 2014 17:28:11 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=172Facebook has been decreasing the amount of people that see your posts. If you are an older page with a lot of fans, you’ve most likely felt the effect in full force. I have over 7,000 fans, but the average amount of people who actually see my content is about …

]]>Facebook has been decreasing the amount of people that see your posts. If you are an older page with a lot of fans, you’ve most likely felt the effect in full force. I have over 7,000 fans, but the average amount of people who actually see my content is about 100. That’s only 1.5% of my audience. I do think what Facebook is doing is total BS! Here are 4 ways to try to overcome their new algorithm and get a higher reach and engagement rate.

1) Advertise to Help

This is what Facebook ultimately wants all pages to do in order to be seen by all of their fans. They want money and they are not being shy about it. Every post has an option to be “boosted”, or you can run a general advertising campaign for your page. I’ve tried advertising and my results can be found here. I think advertising should be used as a tool every now and then to help you. You shouldn’t depend on advertising, unless you’re willing to spend serious bucks. It does help every once and a while to increase your post’s reach, which then get your overall reach up. When your overall reach is up, your posts are more likely to be seen.

2) Share Popular Content

Facebook notices popular and viral content. I’ve noticed this with my last few posts when I’ve shared another page’s photos. If I share someone else’s posts with say, over 500 likes and over 100 comments, this definitely helps the post get seen. Follow popular pages similar to yours and share their content if it’s been popular. You can also share motivational quotes and photos, which tend to be popular on almost any page.

3) Don’t Share Your Own Content and Post New

Before Facebook’s new algorithm came into effect, I often shared my old photos and content to help them get seen again. Usually this worked, and I was able to get some likes on every share. If I do this today, it almost never gets seen. Facebook doesn’t like to see the same content over and over again. So avoid sharing your own stuff. Instead, post new content. It could be the same as your old, but with a little twist. If you post brand new photos and such, they are definitely going to get seen more than resharing your old content.

4) Encourage Discussion

Having users constantly engaged with your page will help. Any like, comment, or share you can get will help your page overall. I’ve heard that the new rule is any user that likes or comments on at least 3 things will see your page in their newsfeed. I have no idea if this is true, but it definitely helps. Ask people to like a status. You can hold fun contests and giveaways, promote good content, and ask questions to your fans.

Have you noticed any other trends or rules when it comes to getting your posts seen? Leave a comment and let us know! Stick to the basics and know that a little goes a long way when it comes to getting your posts seen again. It is a frustrating road for many Facebook pages, so be sure to balance your content on other social media sites.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/4-ways-to-increase-your-reach-engagement/feed/0Freebie: Sunset Mobile Wallpapershttps://wildlotusmedia.com/freebie-sunset-mobile-wallpapers/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/freebie-sunset-mobile-wallpapers/#respondSun, 20 Apr 2014 17:35:52 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=143Enjoy this set of 6 mobile wallpapers (640×1136) of sunsets on the beach! Click each photo to view then tap and hold it to download to your phone. Photography taken by Melissa McDermott. They are made to fit the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c perfectly. For other phones, they may …

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/freebie-sunset-mobile-wallpapers/feed/0Review: Are Facebook Ads Worth It?https://wildlotusmedia.com/review-facebook-ads/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/review-facebook-ads/#commentsSat, 12 Apr 2014 22:16:36 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=128I’ve been pretty upset lately with how slow my Facebook business page has been. Over the past year, my posts seem to reach less and less viewers. I have over 7,000 likes, but every post only reaches 100 people, which is only 1.5% of my viewers. That is absolutely ridiculous, …

]]>I’ve been pretty upset lately with how slow my Facebook business page has been. Over the past year, my posts seem to reach less and less viewers. I have over 7,000 likes, but every post only reaches 100 people, which is only 1.5% of my viewers. That is absolutely ridiculous, so I tried to improve things and get seen more by placing a few Facebook ads. Here are my results…

I tried an advertisement for one of my text posts. I simply asked people to like the post and informed my fans about my latest giveaway. I targeted the ad to reach my fans and their friends, who are fans of small business-related pages. Here are the results from just before the ad ended:

As you can see, only 82 people would’ve seen my post if I did not bother to advertise. 428 additional people seen it with advertising, which is over 5x as many people without. I also happened to get more comments, likes and shares than if I did not purchase advertising. The total price was $5.55, and the ad ran for only a few days.

I then tried to boost one of my posts. This option comes up every time you post something on your page, and can be quite annoying if you happen to accidentally hover over it often. The ad did get taken down due to too much text, but it was up for a few hours. Here is a screenshot of the post I “boosted”:

As you can see I had the same turnout as the last ad, reaching over 400 people. My actually reach was only 4%, which means 96% of it’s views were due to advertising. I didn’t get any actually likes on this, but it definitely helped since I want to reach more fans. Here is a screenshot from what it looks like after you “boost” a post, compared to your other posts. As you can see, boosting a post really helped me reach more people.

My favorite part of Facebook’s advertising is their customization and their admin panel. You can literally target exactly who sees your ad, by location, language, gender, age, and even what other pages they like. This way, you’re guaranteed to reach your target audience. You can customize how long your ad runs for, how much you pay, and even set a limit for how much Facebook spends on your ad each day. If you’re boosting a post, you’ll have the option of anywhere from $5 to $400 to spend for the total ad. Of course more money means more people you will reach. I don’t think it takes that much money to get through to the people you need to.

Their admin panel is another plus, since it gives you every single detail of your ad. You see how many people have clicked through to your post, how much it’s cost you so far, how many people have seen your post, and even a little graph comparing your results. It gives you great statistics on how your ad is doing.

Below is a screenshot of a timeline when someone sees your ad. It comes up as “Sponsored” and pops up in between your average news feed listings. You can also choose to get it in the right-hand advertisement panel, or get it shown in both places.

Conclusion: If your page is in need of a boost, throw a couple of bucks to Facebook to help get your reach up. The interaction with your fans will help in the short-term when it comes to getting seen. You don’t need to spend much to get a couple more views and interactions.

Have you tried Facebook’s advertisement program? What were your results? Leave a comment and let me know!

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/review-facebook-ads/feed/75 Common Flyer Design Mistakeshttps://wildlotusmedia.com/5-flyer-mistakes/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-flyer-mistakes/#commentsThu, 27 Mar 2014 15:20:57 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=116Flyers are a great way to advertise your business. Whether is it a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, passing out flyers can be informative for those who receive them and drive customers to a business. In order to get the best response from your flyers, you should avoid these 5 design mistakes.

Flyers are a great way to advertise your business. Whether is it a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, passing out flyers can be informative for those who receive them and drive customers to a business. In order to get the best response from your flyers, you should avoid these 5 design mistakes.

1) Making it too busy

The average person looks at a flyer for only a few seconds. In those few seconds, you must be able to get your main point across. If the flyer has too many colors, fonts, or distractions, the person holding it will not be able to concentrate on (or even find) the message of the advertisement. In order to avoid this,remember to keep it simple. A maximum or 3 colors, fonts, images, backgrounds, or even font sizes is a good rule to remember. Also, keep your main message large and bold, so it the first thing that is read.

2) Including too much info

When you’re designing a flyer, you’ll most likely think of tons of information to include. Unfortunately, an overload of information doesn’t work on a flyer. In today’s world, people do not like to read much, so many people will not read everything on the flyer. Putting more information on it makes it less likely that people will even read it at all. A flyer should be an overview of the message, not all of the details of your business or service. If you include too much information, your main message will get lost in the mix.

3) Not including crucial info

Many people get flyers without basic information. You may think it is obvious to put locations or contact information on a flyer, but sometimes it is overlooked. You should ask yourself “What do I want the person who receives this to do after they get my flyer?” and include all information needed to do so. Other crucial information includes store hours, websites, social media information, or even photos of what you’re selling/advertising. Don’t ever forget contact information or anything related to when or how you can be contacted. Also, call-to-actions should always be included to help people get to the next step.

4) Making it dull

Flyers should be able to catch and hold someone’s attention. Use a different color or text-size to make your main point get seen loud and clear. Don’t be afraid to make the color of the flyer itself bright and bold. Use images to your advantage and make people want to look at it. Ask questions and be sure to relate to the people who will see it.

5) Spamming

One flyer on a car will get your point across. Putting your flyer on the same car about every other week is overkill. You don’t need to force your flyers down people’s throats to get seen. Spamming cars, stores, or people with your flyers does more harm than good and might even take away business from you. Be sure to change up the location in which you hand them out or post them in. Don’t be afraid to design new flyers with various messages, but don’t go crazy handing them out too often.

Do you have any other advice on flyers or flyer design? Have flyers worked for your business? If you need someone to design your flyers or would like advice on your current ones, contact me and I can help!

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-flyer-mistakes/feed/7The Basics of Logo Designhttps://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-logos/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-logos/#commentsSun, 02 Mar 2014 20:34:20 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=1011) Keep it simple Keep everything about your logo simple. Try not to use more than 3 different fonts, colors, or styles in one logo. Your line work should be simple. No text or images should be too small. It shouldn’t be bogged down with microscopic details or flooded with …

Keep everything about your logo simple. Try not to use more than 3 different fonts, colors, or styles in one logo. Your line work should be simple. No text or images should be too small. It shouldn’t be bogged down with microscopic details or flooded with too many features. Whenever you start out designing a logo, remember simple is best. By the time your finished design rolls around, you should still keep this goal in mind as it is easy to get carried away with adding more ideas.

2) Use color wisely

Your logo should have a maximum of three or four colors. Make sure all color combinations flatter each other and contrast is high. DON’T use gradients, clip-art or real textures! DON’T use photography. Use basic silhouettes and simple colors. You can use the color in your logo to portray an emotion. Certain colors can also bring back memories to your specific audience. Take advantage of that while picking your colors.

3) Stick to what’s familiar

In logo design, sometimes being different and unique isn’t always the best. People have seen many symbols and logos their entire life. Look at the easily-recognizable logos in your market. Stay close to what others would consider familiar, but give it your own twist. For example, a new fast-food place could use the red and yellow color combination, if they would like people to associate them with McDonald’s, which is a quite successful fast-food business.

4) Test it out

After you have your main logo sketch in stone. Test it out as if it were to jump into real life tomorrow. Try scaling it different sizes. If some things aren’t easily legible or clear when they get small, it might be a hint to remove or edit them. Try to imagine how it would look on a letterhead. How would it look in grayscale or in just one color? If your logo will get sewn into clothes, will it still look great? How will the signage look if it is getting turned into a sign? If you keep everything clean and simple, your logo should look great no matter what.

5) Stick to your message

While being carried away with logo design, don’t ever forget the message your business is trying to portray to it’s audience. If you remember this during the whole design, your logo will represent your business perfectly. Try showing your logo to a few members of your target audience and ask them their first impression. If that goes hand-in-hand with your business message, then you’ve hit the nail on the head.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-logos/feed/1The Basics of Getting More Likeshttps://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-likes/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-likes/#respondThu, 20 Feb 2014 14:36:01 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=78Likes are more than a number. They are the people who will see your posts and may turn into your potential customers. Stick to these tricks in order to get more Facebook likes on your business page. 1) Invite your friends Invite your friends and tell them to invite their …

Likes are more than a number. They are the people who will see your posts and may turn into your potential customers. Stick to these tricks in order to get more Facebook likes on your business page.

1) Invite your friends

Invite your friends and tell them to invite their friends. This is very effective if people are always spreading the word. Check out this code to invite all of your friends and don’t be shy when it comes to asking others to help.

2) Post in groups

Join networking groups. This can include groups that are similar to yours, but should consist mainly of groups that your target audience is in. I make it a habit to post at least once a week in groups. Just make sure you post high quality content without many links, or else it will come off as spam. You should include what you can offer, why it adds value to your audience, and the link back to your page.

3) Post on walls of pages

By posting to pages, it is a guarantee that the page owner will see it. This creates the chance that they should share your page with their fans, which will get you more likes. People who come to their page may see it and check out your page as well.

3) Have a link on your site

If you have a website that gets good traffic, having social media links is a must. A call to action to like your Facebook page can be included on your website, e-mail blasts, or blog. If they really dig the content on your page, they will most likely like and support your Facebook page.

4) Have it on your business card

People will like your page if they know that you have one. So, put it out there on your print material, such as flyers or business cards, that you have a Facebook page. An extra tip is to put exclusive content on your Facebook page, then tell your audience about it through your print material. This will encourage them to give you a like, in order to get something they want.

Have any other basic tips for getting more likes? Share them in a comment. Be sure to check out our facebook page and like us to stay up-to-date with our blog.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/basics-of-likes/feed/03 Things You Need to Invest in Your Businesshttps://wildlotusmedia.com/3-things-invest-in-your-business/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/3-things-invest-in-your-business/#respondFri, 07 Feb 2014 15:44:24 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=26Investing in your business is one of the most important things you can do for your business. You should take time to invest not only money, but time and knowledge for your business. Treat it to some TLC in these three areas and you will see that it will be …

]]>Investing in your business is one of the most important things you can do for your business. You should take time to invest not only money, but time and knowledge for your business. Treat it to some TLC in these three areas and you will see that it will be well worth it.

Money.

1) Your money comes back to you.
“You must spend money to make money” is a quote I have been living by lately. Many people may think that it is bogus. How could you possibly make it if you are always getting rid of it? I find that it works because when you spend any amount, due to investing in your business, you will get it right back and them some. The only way you can find out for your self is to start spending money on your business. If you buy business cards today, you might make a great sale tomorrow. The sale usually ends up putting the money right back in your pocket, plus an additional profit.

2) It makes your business better.
When you take the time out to spend money on your business, it improves the quality of it. Whether it’s the little things, such as letterheads, or the big things, such as hiring an accountant, you can only improve your business by spending money on it. Everything you invest in adds up and turns into a solid brand. For example, if you spend money on a great website, it will turn out to be better than most out there. This ends up giving you a better reputation, which means customers will be able to trust you.

3) Your customers notice.
Customers see advertising, marketing, and brands all day. Just by being around media 24/7, customers know when a business is putting forth the effort financially to enhance their business. The major benefit of customers knowing that you put an extra chunk of cash into your business is that they are more likely to think of you as a reputable business with good cash flow. They are more likely to buy from you when you look, feel, and sound professional.

Knowledge.

1) The more you know…
The more you know, the better off you will be. Why? Because it will put you ahead of your competition. According to Malcolm Gladwell, to be an expert, you must invest 10,000 hours of your time. So study, read, observe, do and breathe your business. The more you know about your business, the more you can outsmart the person next to you and impress your audience (and hopefully win them over into buying something).

2) People notice skills.
You cannot fake being skilled. People recognize what is good and what is bad. If you take the time to be good at something and execute it the best to your ability, your customer will notice and admire your skills and pick you over someone who is not as good. If you make it look easy, do it quickly, and do it well, people will notice you and remember you. Being skilled at your job is something you definitely want to be remembered for.

3) Save money by DIY.
Take up all the knowledge you can in this world, because it will simply save you more money. Don’t hire someone else to do it, and learn how to do it yourself. With todays resources, you can learn almost anything under the sun through books, articles, or YouTube. It might not be the most convenient option, but you can save some cash while you put in the extra effort. You will also have more knowledge under your belt and be able to help the next person, which might get you some cash.

Time.

1) Nothing happens overnight.
Anything great in this world takes time. Don’t quit, ever. By investing your time and money into your business, you might expect instant results. You might have to work hard everyday for a while before you may happen to some feedback, but it will happen. Also, invest time to spend on different parts of your business. The more time you put in, the better results you will get.

2) It builds trust.
People can be weary of sketchy businesses. They want to be careful and not get scammed. So if you just start out and no one has bought your amazing product, it’s okay. You have to be around for a long time in order to build trust with your audience. The older your business is, the bigger of a reputation will have, which will help the word of mouth spread. When you first start off, know that the longer down the road, the better it will get because people will know you are serious and start to trust you.

3) You’ll be an expert.
If you invest time into your business, you will run into every different scenario possible. You will know what to do if not only plan A fails, but when plan X, Y, and Z don’t go smoothly either. This will make you bona fide expert in your field. If you put in the effort everyday for some time, you will gain the wisdom to make better choices. This, of course, will benefit your business, but also give you an intangible skill set and make you more valuable as a person.

What do you think is the most important thing to invest in your business? Leave your answer in a comment below. If you need any inspiration, take a look at successful businesses out there and ask yourself if they have invested these things.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/3-things-invest-in-your-business/feed/05 Examples of Unique Business Cardshttps://wildlotusmedia.com/5-examples-of-unique-business-cards/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-examples-of-unique-business-cards/#respondSun, 02 Feb 2014 19:51:36 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=81Your business card is only good if it is memorable. One way to differentiate your card from the millions of other cards out there is to make it as unique as you can. Not sure how to to be different? Here are 5 great examples of how to make your …

]]>Your business card is only good if it is memorable. One way to differentiate your card from the millions of other cards out there is to make it as unique as you can. Not sure how to to be different? Here are 5 great examples of how to make your business card stand out from everyone else’s.

Change the shape.The average business card is a standard rectangle 3.5 by 2 inches. Make it bigger, smaller, or any other shape and you will definately be different.

Make it 3D.
Your print materials for your business are often 2D and flat. Add an extra plane and you’ll really pop out.

Cut it out.
Die-cut cards are very exciting. They create a fancy illusion with simple negative space. They are bound to be looked at twice.

Make it Textured.
If people feel something that doesn’t feel like an average paper business card, you’ll throw their senses in for a loop. Embossed cards can come off as special and exclusive.

Make it transparent.
This seems to be a popular trend for photographers, but it is still very eye-catching and creative. A transparent business card looks different on every surface is it on.

Do your business cards follow any of these examples? If you need new cards or a new card design, I can help. Message me to get a special deal on custom business cards.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/5-examples-of-unique-business-cards/feed/012 Quotes from the “Dean of Personal Development”https://wildlotusmedia.com/12-quotes-from-dean-of-personal-development/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/12-quotes-from-dean-of-personal-development/#respondMon, 27 Jan 2014 16:20:02 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=39Earl Nightingale is a motivational speaker and one of the leading figures in personal development. As a former radio broadcaster, his talks and writings are found in many self-improvement libraries. Enjoy this video, which is one his top selling spoken word records “The Strangest Secret.” After the video, you can …

]]>
Earl Nightingale is a motivational speaker and one of the leading figures in personal development. As a former radio broadcaster, his talks and writings are found in many self-improvement libraries. Enjoy this video, which is one his top selling spoken word records “The Strangest Secret.” After the video, you can view my personal favorite quotes from the man himself.

“Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.”

“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”

“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.”

“Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.”

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.”

“We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.”

“Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.”

“Wherever there is danger, there lurks opportunity; whenever there is opportunity, there lurks danger. The two are inseparable. They go together.”

“Everything begins with an idea.”

“We all walk in the dark and each of us must learn to turn on his or her own light.”

“What’s going on in the inside shows on the outside.”

“Excellence always sells.”

What do you think of these quotes? Do you have a favorite? Leave your favorite quote from Earl Nightingale or anyone else in a comment below. Message us and we can turn your favorite quote into a timeline cover.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/12-quotes-from-dean-of-personal-development/feed/0How to Add Ratings and Reviews to your Facebook Pagehttps://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-add-ratings-and-reviews-to-your-facebook-page/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-add-ratings-and-reviews-to-your-facebook-page/#commentsThu, 23 Jan 2014 23:14:34 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=70Ratings and reviews can be a powerful tool for your Facebook page. If you have high ratings, it is proof that you do great business. Great reviews read by potential customers could turn them into solid buyers. You might have noticed that some Facebook pages have them, and some don’t. …

Ratings and reviews can be a powerful tool for your Facebook page. If you have high ratings, it is proof that you do great business. Great reviews read by potential customers could turn them into solid buyers. You might have noticed that some Facebook pages have them, and some don’t. In order to have your fans review and rate your page, follow these simple steps.

1) Change your business type to “Small business” or “Local business”

Go to your page and click on “Update Page Info” under “Edit Page”. Edit the “Category” section. Select “Companies & Organizations” for the first drop down, then “Small Business” as the second drop down option. You can also select “Local Businesses” for the first category, and select whichever fits your business best for the second.

2) Edit your address

After you change your business category type, you should have a section to add an address. It should be a real address, as Facebook verifies them to make sure they are real. I added my full address at first, but decided to remove the street numbers for privacy reasons. Your new address will show up when users search for your page, as well as on your “About” page as a large map.

3) That’s it! Enjoy your new rating system!

Be sure to tell your fans about your new rating system to get a few to start. Over time, you’ll get more reviews that should help your page in the long run.

Have you activated the Facebook rating system? What do you think of it? Be sure to leave a link to your Facebook page in a comment and I’ll give it a like! You can view our page here.

]]>https://wildlotusmedia.com/how-to-add-ratings-and-reviews-to-your-facebook-page/feed/4FREEBIE: Motivational Wallpapershttps://wildlotusmedia.com/freebie-motivational-wallpapers/
https://wildlotusmedia.com/freebie-motivational-wallpapers/#respondMon, 20 Jan 2014 15:48:25 +0000http://wildlotusmedia.com/blog/?p=58After reading a good book, I found myself inspired by self-confidence building quotes. Enjoy 7 free desktop wallpapers, each with their own powerful message. They are sized 1280×1024 and in .PNG format. Download the Wallpapers Download the Wallpapers Want more free goodies? Check out our free timeline covers!

]]>After reading a good book, I found myself inspired by self-confidence building quotes. Enjoy 7 free desktop wallpapers, each with their own powerful message. They are sized 1280×1024 and in .PNG format.